My Universe

[JCWeb]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

Bogash should be nearing the end of the road in your little world at this point I'd imagine. Nathan Mann is still the better part of a decade away but Battalino should be debuting about now. Other than that, I think it's a long wait for Pep in Connecticut - at least I can't think of another headliner that might be around the corner. (which means that there assuredly must be one)

Well, Chris I will have to tease you some more and let you know that, going into that World title clash, Bogash had his highest ranking and PP total ever, over 1000 for the first time, and -- according to my Uni rules -- he's not set to hit Post-Prime until 1931, unless he suffers a string of TKO losses that cause his retirement points to mount quickly (the Cubedrum point system which is what I use). I don't have the info for Battalino right in front of me, but I believe you are right -- his debut bout is coming up before much longer.

[JCWeb]

I did check and turns out Battalino won his pro debut (a UD 4) in January 1927 but the dice weren't kind to "Bat" so he won't return to the ring until what is now next month's fights (June) which I hope to get around to scheduling tonight.

[CONN CHRIS]

Thanks John - I will follow him. It's really neat that we had Bat and then Pep right on his heels from the same geographical area.

I remember when I ran a huge universe having Gene Tunney get to 6-0 before I really realized he was fighting I think the ability to sort of 'discover' things happpening within is one of my favorite things about large universes. I only have 40 something at the present time and do miss this aspect.

[JCWeb]

June 4, 1927, Philadelphia Stadium: Tony Canzoneri takes on another veteran TC, this time JWW Danny Turpin, in Canzoneri's first 10-round affair. Turpin has won just one of his prior 11 contests, while Canzoneri is 9-0.

Round one, Canzoneri sidesteps an onrushing Turpin and scores a nice combination. He nails Turpin with a cross, then is tied up. He gets his hands free to fire an uppercut, then some more clutching and grabbing. He traps Turpin against the ropes, connects with a right cross. Strong start for Canzoneri.

Second round, Tony C presses forward on the inside. Turpin is backed into a corner, then Canzoneri unleashes a quick flurry, punctuated by a strong uppercut. He works the head and body, forcing his opponent to retreat. A double hook to the body is followed by a right that lands on the button. Canzoneri is off with the follow up blow, then Turpin gets in a combination right before the bell. Another strong round for Canzoneri.

Round three, more fighting inside by Canzoneri who works behind his jab. Turpin lands a counter, then Canzoneri takes control, landing a solid combination and popping home a jab. Canzoneri continues working the jab, landing to the chest and the neck while Turpin manages to last the round.

Fourth round, Canzoneri steps up the pace, looking for the knockout. He nails Turpin with a right cross. Canzoneri cuts the ring off but is off target despite having Turpin cornered. Turpin scores with an uppercut, but Canzoneri bores in, landing a lead right and following with a hook to the head. Turpin fights back with a quick jab, but leaves himself open for a sharp combination that puts him on the deck. A shaken Turpin arises at the count of six, but fortunately for him there's not much time left for Canzoneri to finish the job this round.

Round five, Canzoneri is trying to finish his man. Turpin fires a couple of shots but cannot find the range. Canzoneri misses as well. Turpin lands a clean jab. Canzoneri responds with a solid cross. Turpin misses with an uppercut then retreats. A wild combination opens a cut over Canzoneri's left eye. First signs of trouble for Canzoneri in his pro career thus far. However, good news is he's up by a sizable count (49-45) on the unofficial scorecard after five.

Sixth round, the cut is patched up but Canzoneri's corner urges a cautious approach this round. He ignores the advice, hooking off the jab and landing a shot to the top of Turpin's head. The two exchange jabs. Good hand speed by Canzoneri, who fires a hook to the ribs that takes the wind out of his opponent. A cross also lands, but Turpin ducks under a follow-up left, then he splits Canzoneri's gloves with a straight right just before the bell.

Round seven, Canzoneri is back to usual approach of applying gradual pressure on the inside. Turpin picks off a jab. Canzoneri fires an overhand right. Turpin responds with a hook. A cross scores for Canzoneri. A follow-up straight right is off target. Turpin jabs. Canzoneri comes in off his jab, but a leaping shot is short. Still, a strong edge for Canzoneri who seems frustrated at not being able to put Turpin down a second time.

Eighth round, Canzoneri decides to work on the outside this time. He bounces off the ropes, landing a cross and a strong flurry of follow-up blows. He shoots home a right, then gets in a follow-up right cross before being tied up by Turpin, who is gasping for air now. They break and Canzoneri comes over the top with another right. A lead right misses, then Turpin surprises Canzoneri with a right cross and survives another round despite some intense pressure applied by Canzoneri.

Round nine, Canzoneri is back to fighting inside now. Both men paw with the jab. Canzoneri flicks a piston-like jab. Turpin backs up, firing a right cross. Canzoneri shoots home a right. Turpin misses with his jab. Canzoneri drills his man with a left hook that opens a cut over Turpin's left eye. Then a right from Canzoneri, and there is blood over Turpin's right eye. The ref steps in and decides the cuts are too dangerous to allow the bout to continue any further.

The quick stoppage means this one goes in the books as a TKO win for Canzoneri at 1:47 of round nine, running his record to 10-0 (9), worth 486 PPs. His management plans to have him ready for another 10-round bout in two months' time.

[JCWeb]

June 25, 1927 -- Harringay Arena, London, England: Unbeaten HW prospect Max Schmeling, the "Black Uhlan," arrives to take on former British HW king Frank Goddard in a 10-rounder co-feature bout. Schmeling, who is 12-0 (11) faces a veteran of over 50 pro bouts in Goddard, who bears the scars of battle, as his overall count of 27-24-3 (10) attests. Most pundits favor the up-and-coming over the aging vet, but many are touting the bout as Schmeling's toughest test to date in his young pro career.

Round one consists of the usual feeling-out process. Schmeling uncorks a stinging jab that keeps Goddard on the defensive. He doubles up on the jab, finding the range with the second one. Goddard pushes Schmeling. An quick exchange at ring center favors the German. Goddard lands to the chest and neck of Schmeling. Max can't force his way inside, then flicks a short, quick uppercut. There's a pause in the action. Schmeling comes up short but backs Goddard up. A three-punch combination rocks Goddard just before the bell. Good start for Schmeling.

Second round, Max chooses to move inside to inflict more punishment. Schmeling shoots home a right. Goddard backs up. Schmeling connects with a lead right, then fires back on top of the jab from Goddard. Schmeling works to cut the ring off, pursuing the Brit and landing with a ferocious-looking uppercut. Goddard responds with a glancing cross that does not deter the Black Uhlan, who continues to force the action on the inside. Goddard is wild with a hook. Schmeling responds with a hook of his own and then a short flurry near the end of the round, all counting for points.

Round three, more of the same as Schmeling is dictating the pace of the bout now. Goddard tries a hook from way outside. There's a breather as both men clinch and then start pawing with the jab. Schmeling is then called for a low blow. A flurry from Goddard is followed by a strong cross from Max. Goddard retreats but Schmeling pursues, scoring with a short, ripping uppercut as he muscles his way inside. Goddard is pinned against the ropes as Max unleashes a powerful hook to the head that sends the British veteran tumbling to the canvas. He leans against the ropes, arising at the count of eight. The bell sounds before Schmeling can inflict more damage.

Fourth round, Schmeling is looking to build on the knockdown of the prior round while Goddard is thinking defense first. Max nails the Brit with a big uppercut, then uses the jab to set up a hook, which he doubles up on. Goddard is in big trouble now. Schmeling connects with a sharp combination but is off target with the follow up. A right hook connects. Goddard clinches, and the action resumes at ring center. Max rips another strong shot, and Goddard absorbs a right cross just before the bell. Goddard has taken alot of punishment the last two rounds, and it's amazing he is still on his feet.

Round five, Schmeling is still looking to finish his man. He connects with a right cross. Goddard ducks under a follow-up right, then flicks a jab. He is short with a follow-up, leaving him vulnerable to a huge shot from Schmeling. Goddard hits the deck for the second time, arising at the count of nine. He tries to cover up to survive the onslaught, but this time Schmeling is on target with a solid hook. There's swelling under Goddard's right eye. Another hook and Goddard goes down again. He arises at the count of four, but he is defenseless to a Schmeling cross to the head that puts him down for the third time in the round.

The bout is stopped, and it's ruled a TKO win for Schmeling at 2:23 of round five. A very fine result versus a seasoned pro in his home country lifts Schmeling to 13-0 (12), worth 594 PPs. A bit of a break is in store for Schmeling, and his next ring appearance is expected to be in three months, in September 1927.

[JCWeb]

Back to some action after a bit of a break ...

August 6, 1927 -- Comiskey Park, Chicago: LW Tony Canzoneri puts his unbeaten record on the line tonight in a 10-round bout against another JWW tomato can. Canzoneri, who enters the bout with a 10-0 (9) career mark, expects to have no problem with JWW TC Wade Campbell. Campbell is winless in his prior 10 pro bouts.

First round, Canzoneri threads a lead right through Campbell's defenses. The two trade jabs, and Canzoneri is having difficulty getting his punches on target. Campbell sneaks a jab in. Canzoneri misses with a jab and a follow-up left. Tony then lands a right. Not much action for the rest of the round. Disappointing start for the "Roman Warrior."

Round two, Canzoneri elects to work on the outside. He fires a blow, clinches, and then the ref, Harry Krause, takes a point away from Canzoneri for kidney punching. Canzoneri is short with his jab. He circles and then reaches his opponent with a combination. Campbell connects with a cross. Canzoneri gets on track with a lead right that scores. Campbell retreats but a pursuing Canzoneri nails him again with a right cross. The bell sounds, strong round for Canzoneri save for the foul.

Round three, Canzoneri remains the aggressor applying pressure from the outside. Looking for punching room, he fires a right from outside but is the victim of some head-butting from Campbell. Campbell is trapped on the ropes, and Canzoneri swings and connects with an uppercut. Then the two clinch, and Canzoneri is called for a second foul, holding and hitting. This time, the ref, Harry Krause, chooses to disqualify Canzoneri. It's an unpopular decision, subjecting the ref to the hoots and catcalls of a very disappointed crowd who was looking to see more action.

The surprise result drops Canzoneri to 10-1 (9), and now with just 104 PPs. His management is working on plans for a rematch with Campbell but that bout may not take place until several months from now.

[JCWeb]

August 27, 1927 -- Yankee Stadium, New York City: First fight card at the new "House that Ruth built," Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, and fighting on the undercard here tonight is fan favorite James J. "Jimmy" Braddock, who sports a 7-0 record thus far, going against another TC opponent, Nick Meeks (0-9) in what should be an easy test for Braddock.

First round, Braddock works his way inside and plants on hook on the body of Meeks. Braddock then unleashes a powerful uppercut, after which Meeks wisely retreats to a neutral corner. An uppercut from the outside scores for Braddock, but Meeks moves out of range of the follow-up shot by Braddock. Jimmy bobs and weaves his way back to the inside, but is tied up by Meeks. Braddock swings and misses, then Meeks works to the head and body. Not much action for the rest of the round. Good start by Braddock.

Round two, Braddock moves inside but is off target. He pins Meeks against the ropes and splits the gloves with a jab. Braddock is tied up again, but get his hand free to pound home an uppercut on the inside. Meeks smothers Braddock's attack and follows with a short uppercut of his own that grazes Braddock's jaw. Braddock is wild with a counter, then Meeks flicks a jab. Braddock uses his jab effectively, then scores with a right cross. He's wild with the hook but has done enough to take the round.

Round three, Braddock sticks out a jab to the chest of Meeks. Meeks is off target with a hook. Braddock fires back with a right that has a minimal impact. A leaping shot from Meeks is just short. Braddock works off the ropes, connecting with a powerful uppercut. A volley of blows by Braddock is followed by a solid combination that makes Meeks back up. Meeks sidesteps a big left from Braddock. Braddock fires a right cross and follows with a short hook to the head. There's a long clinch right before the bell. Strong round for Braddock.

Braddock comes out looking for the knockout in round four. Meeks is already bothered by some swelling around his left eye. Braddock traps his opponent in the corner, firing a jab but unable to follow with a telling blow. Meeks shoots out a defensive jab to keep Braddock at bay. A right hook scores for Braddock. Meeks responds with an uppercut that is blocked by Braddock. Braddock hooks off the jab but Meeks avoids a straight right. Meeks fires a right of his own that bounces harmlessly off Braddock's shoulder. Halfway through the scheduled eight, the unofficial scorecard has it down as a whitewash for Braddock (40-36).

Fifth round, Braddock continues as the aggressor. He traps Meeks in a neutral corner, landing a huge uppercut. Meeks is tiring now, and the swelling around his eye is getting worse. He fires a straight right that is easily parried by Braddock. Braddock responds with a nice right-left combination to the head. He can't find the range with a punch that is part hook, part uppercut. An uppercut to the head finds its target, and Meeks drops to the canvas. He arises at the count of seven, and Braddock can't take advantage of the situation before the bell sounds.

Buoyed by the knockdown, Braddock is looking to finish his man in round six. After a quick flurry, Meeks retreats. Braddocks pursues, landing to the chest and neck of his opponent. Braddock traps Meeks in the corner, doubling up on his jab. He fires a combination, then shoots home a right. Meeks fires back with a double jab of his own. Braddock unloads with a jolting uppercut, then he tries to double up on his hook. Braddock is then warned for a low blow. After a solid right to the head, the bell sounds and Meeks manages to survive the round.

Round seven, and this time Braddock is content to work on the outside. Meeks shoots a left that is way off target. Braddock splits the gloves with a straight right. Meeks retreats. Braddocks misses with a right, then steps inside but still can't manage to find the range. Meeks moves along the ropes but Braddock traps him in the corner. Jimmy unleashes a flurry, and the left eye of Meeks looks much worse for wear. Braddock works the head and body. He misses with the jab, but finishes with an uppercut right before the bell.

Final round, the fighters touch gloves. Braddock again is content to stay outside, sitting on his points lead. Braddock fires a leaping shot that falls just short. He is off with a cross. Meeks fires back with a jab. Braddock plants a short hook to the ribs of Meeks. Meeks flicks a jab and then retreats. After a pause, he fires a hook to the head. Braddock replies with an uppercut. Meeks snakes home a jab. Braddock wings a big left. Meeks clutches and grabs Braddock, then the bell sounds the end of the bout.

It goes to the judges' scorecards, and the result is unanimous -- a lopsided UD 8 win for Braddock (79-72, 80-71, 80-71). His career record moves to 8-0 (5), worth 449 PPs, and his management says he expects to return to the ring in September.

[JCWeb]

Waiting for 1927 action to wind down, thought I would start a series showing the highest PP rankings for the leading retired HWs in my Uni -- note this would not incorporate guys like Corbett, Sullivan, Peter Jackson, etc., whose careers peaked before the new PP system came into play.

Here's the list of retired HWs with peak ratings of 800 or above:

1674 Sam Langford (WBA Champ 1910-14, 1919)
1588 Joe Jeannette (WBA Champ 1914-15)
1516 Sam McVey (WBA Champ 1915-17, 1920)
1323 Jack Johnson (WBA Champ 1905-07, 1909-10)
1277 Phila. Jack O'Brien (WBA Champ 1907-08)
1259 Tommy Burns (WBA Champ 1908-09)
1228 Carl Morris (WBA Champ 1919) High: 4
1215 Bill Brennan (WBA Champ 1917) High: 4
1186 James Jeffries (WBA Champ 1902-05)
1161 Colin Bell (CBU Champ) High: 4
1158 Jeff Clarke (WBA Champ 1920-21)
1121 Billy Miske (NABF, USBA Champ) High: 3
1111 Bob Devere (WBA Champ 1920) High: 7
1006 Jess Willard (no titles) High: 9
1000 Frank Moran (no titles) High: 6
895 Charley Miller (no titles) High: 5
893 Gunboat Smith (no titles) High: 8
893 Joe Beckett (CBU, GCU Champ) High: 10
877 Denver Ed Martin (no titles) High: 6
859 Fighting Bob Martin (USBA title) High: 10
858 Otto Flint (EBU Champ) High: 9
846 Bob Armstrong (WBA Champ 1901-02)
840 Albert Pooley (no titles) High: 11
813 Fred Storbeck (CBU Champ) High: 11

I guess looking at the list shows some gradually ratings inflation over the years, for example, Johnson, who was a dominant Champ at the time, only winds up as #4 on the list. Only RL Champ who doesn't make the list is Marvin Hart, whose high PP was only 467, despite having cracked the top ten at #7 in the early years of the PP system.

[JCWeb]

Continuing with the above thread, here's the much shorter list of peak PP numbers for retired LH boxers in my Uni:

1277 Phila Jack O'Brien (WBA Champ 1901-03, 1905-07, 1910-12)
1110 Georges Carpentier (WBA Champ 1916-17, 1922)
1010 Bob McAllister (WBA Champ 1916) Highest Rank: 1
980 Leo Houck (WBA Champ 1910) Highest Rank: 1
948 Jack "Twin" Sullivan (WBA Champ 1908) Highest Rank: 1
927 John Wille (WBA Champ 1904-05)
916 George Gardner (WBA Champ 1904, 1908-10)
912 Bob Sweeney (NABF Champ) Highest Rank: 4

Using the same 800 PP cutoff as with the HWs, this much shorter list is what one would expect from a division which lacked that same depth of talent in the early years. Only notable omission is Jack Root, whose peak PP rating never got above 700, making him kind of a underperformer compared to his contemporaries. However, once the current crop of LHs hits retirement, expect to see names like Dillon, Greb, Loughran, Delaney and Rosenbloom dominate the upper levels of the list, dwarfing the performances of just about everyone here, except possibly for O'Brien, who went on to capture both the LH and HW titles, a feat thus far matched only by Gene Tunney, who also turned that "double" in real life as well.

[JCWeb]

Sept. 3, 1927 -- Crowds are pouring in for the featured bout on tonight's card, which pits two young unbeaten HWs here at the Waldbuhne in Berlin, Germany. The Black Uhlan, Max Schmeling, who may be Germany's best ever HW prospect, puts his unbeaten 13-0 record on the line versus Norway's Otto Von Porat, who has won his first ten bouts. The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds.

Round one sees Schmeling circling while Von Porat tries to clutch and grab. Schmeling tries to get his hands free, stepping back to create punching room. A straight right from Von Porat hurts Schmeling. Max responds by flicking his jab and keeping his distance. Schmeling shows some fancy footwork but it's Von Porat who connects with a cross. Max responds, unleashing a three-punch combo. The crowd roars. Schmeling blocks a futile jab, coming over the top with a big hook. Ref Waldemar Schmidt stops the action to call a foul on Schmeling, taking away a point. The pro-Schmeling crowd boos lustily. Von Porat backs up, blunting Schmeling's attack. Slight edge for the German in round one.

Second round, Schmeling works on the inside while Von Porat stays outside. Schmeling is the aggressor, letting his hands go but cannot land any telling shots. The two men lean on each other at ring center, and the vocal crowd boos the lack of action. Schmeling misses with an uppercut but then connects with a solid hook. There is some clinching, then Schmeling's jab is just short of the mark. A flurry of activity sees Von Porat in retreat mode. Schmeling fires and misses. Von Porat fires a straight right. Von Porat leans on the head and neck of Schmeling and receives a warning from the ref. Looks like a solid round for Max although the crowd wants to see more action.

Round three, this time Schmeling is content to stay outside, as is his Norwegian opponent. Max ties up Von Porat. Von Porat is cautioned a second time, then loses a point for hitting in the clinch. After a bit of a breather, Schmeling shoots home the right. He misses the follow-up shot, leaving himself vulnerable to a pair of body shots from Von Porat. Max bounces off the ropes, firing a jab that lands. He doubles up on the jab, but Von Porat responds with an uppercut. Von Porat is trying to work off his jab, and Max fires back with an uppercut from way outside that just misses. Good action to finish the round, as Von Porat snakes a jab through the gloves, and Schmeling counters with a right-left combination to the head. The crowd roars its approval.

Fourth round, this time it's Von Porat looking to step up the pace. He fires a punch that looks like a backhand that misses. Von Porat has the better of a quick exchange at ring center. Schmeling scores with a combination, and Von Porat hits the deck. He arises at the count of six, and immediately covers up. Schmeling doubles up on his jab and unleashes a furious attack, but he can't follow up on his earlier success. A wild overhand right yields a second knockdown, but Von Porat pops up quickly, and survives to the bell despite being down twice in the round.

Round five, and Schmeling -- encouraged by the crowd -- is looking for the knockout. He traps Von Porat in the corner and nails him with a winging right. His opponent tries to tie him up on the inside, but Schmeling gets his hands free and delivers an uppercut to the chin. The two lean on each other, then Schmeling shoots home a right and follows with a big left. Another straight right staggers Von Porat, who absorbs the punishment and remains upright. Von Porat's right eye is starting to puff up from the repeated blows. Schmeling pours it on, delivering a hook to the body and then a cross to the chin. Von Porat, trapped in the corner, covers up and barely survives the round.

Sixth round, and an impatient Schmeling continues to press, looking to finish matters. Von Porat leans on Schmeling and tries to tie him up. Max slithers along the ropes, and fires a volley of blows that cause his opponent's knees to buckle. Von Porat fires back with an uppercut on the inside. Max cuts off the ring effectively, nailing Von Porat with a solid hook. Von Porat drops to the deck, rolls over on his side and, using the ropes, arises at the count of nine. Schmeling pursues him, and a sharp jab rips open a cut over Von Porat's left eye. The ring physician is called in to look at the damage, and then after what seems to be an eternity, the bout is allowed to continue. Not much time left now, Schmeling misses with a combination, but then he makes every second count when he catches Von Porat with a perfect shot for a fourth and final knockdown of the bout.

Von Porat is counted out at 3:00 of round six. The win lifts Schmeling's career mark to 14-0 (13 inside the distance), worth 644 PPs. Von Porat drops to 10-1 (8). Look for Max to return to the ring in November, when he goes for win #15 and a possible top 20 ranking.

[CONN CHRIS]

That was a potentially dangerous bout for Max - nicely written up John.

[JCWeb]

Continuing with the recent feature, here's the list for retired MWs:

1465 Mike Gibbons (WBA Champ 1914-17)
1256 Billy Papke (WBA Champ 1909-10, 1911, 1913-14)
1101 Stanley Ketchel (WBA Champ 1907-09, 1910)
1078 Eddie McGoorty (WBA Champ 1918-19)
1057 Cyclone Johnny Thompson (WBA Champ 1910-11)
1051 Joe Borrell (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 2
1018 Albert Crouse (NABF Champ) Highest Rank: 5
948 Frank Klaus (NABF Champ) Highest Rank: 1
889 Al McCoy (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 3
862 George "Knockout" Brown (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 7
861 Fighting Billy Murray (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 5
860 Frank Mantell (WBA Champ 1913) Highest Rank: 4
841 Les Darcy (CBU Champ) Highest Rank: 5
814 Paddy Levin (EBU Champ) Highest Rank: 1
811 Happy Littleton (No Titles) Highest Rank: 12
810 Eugene Brosseau (No Titles) Highest Rank: 11

No real surprises, looks like a bit of ratings creep in recent years. Doubt Papke was a better a fighter than Ketchel, but he managed to survive and carry forward the higher PP numbers after Ketchel had effectively been "retired" (by hitting Post-Prime) in 1910.

[JCWeb]

September 24, 1927, Polo Grounds, New York City: Popular young HW prospect Jimmy Braddock puts his 8-0 record on the line in an 8-round preliminary bout against TC Neil Jacoby, who is winless in his first five.

Round one, Braddock starts out working on the outside. Braddock is just short in the opening exchange. Jacoby fires a right cross. Braddock pins Jacoby in the corner but is wild with a hook. Jacoby is unable to work off the ropes, and Braddock connects with a jab to the chest. Braddock follows with a hook to the head, then Jacoby moves out of range while Braddock is short with a left. Jacoby flicks out a jab that lands cleanly. Braddock scores well just before the end of the round, flicking a jab and nailing Jacoby with an uppercut. Good start for Braddock.

Second round, Braddock tries to establish control by working inside. He nails Jacoby with a cross and pursues his opponent to the neutral corner. Braddock sneaks home a right. He flicks a jab to the chest, and then nails Jacoby with a big left that causes him to flinch. Braddock is off target with a couple of follow-up shots. Jacoby fires and misses. Braddock lands a jolting uppercut just before the bell. Another good round for Jimmy.

Round three, more fighting inside from Braddock. He scores with a left hook to the body. After some clinching, Braddock plods forward relentlessly. Jacoby flicks a jab. Braddock turns southpaw and surprises Jacoby with a short uppercut followed by a hook to the body. Another right cross from Braddock, and Jacoby is sporting a cut over the right eye.

Fourth round sees a more confident Braddock now looking for the knockout. Jacoby is backed up against the ropes, and Braddock tags him with an uppercut to the chin that reopens the cut over the eye. A crushing hook scores for Braddock. He fires a big left that is sidestepped by Jacoby. Braddock connects with a jab, but a straight right is blocked by the gloves. Jacoby then responds with a hook to the head, perhaps his best punch of the bout thus far. Braddock continues to stalk his man, cutting off the ring, doubling up on the jab, but Jacoby is able to pick off the second one as the bell sounds.

Round five, Braddock is back in the crouch, working the inside once again. He fires a jab, then re-opens the cut in a follow-up exchange. Braddock works the head and body, then follows with a right cross that sends Jacoby into the ropes. Braddock fires and misses, allowing his man to escape. He leans on the chest and neck of Jacoby, scoring a jab. After a quick flurry, Braddock fails to connect. The bell sounds, but Jimmy has built a solid lead at this point in the fight.

Sixth round, once again Braddock is looking to finish matters. The cut over Jacoby's eye is patched up between rounds, and the two clinch at ring center. Braddock is short with a leaping shot as Jacoby retreats out of range. Then he catches Jacoby with a punch that is part hook and part uppercut. The cut is reopened and this time the ring physician is called in to take a look. The bout continues, and Braddock is warned for a low blow as a defensive-minded Jacoby is in full retreat mode. A Braddock right scores, then Jimmy misses with a jab. An uppercut gets through right before the bell, and Jacoby has survived another round.

Round seven, this time Braddock is content to stay on the outside. Jacoby ducks under a shot that was telegraphed by Braddock. Braddock is off by a hair, but he does manage to land an uppercut. A flurry sees most punches blocked or slipped. Braddock works to the head and body. He misses the jab, but nails Jacoby with a follow-up cross. Braddock continues to work the jab, while Jacoby is off target with his jab. He is also warned by the referee for his dilatory tactics.

Eighth and final round, the two men touch gloves and Braddock looks comfortable as he continues to lay back on the outside. Jacoby pins Braddock's arms but the referee steps in and breaks it up. Braddock gets his right free to land an uppercut. Jacoby backs up. Braddock misses with a left-right combination. Jacoby lands to the chest and neck. Braddock succeeds in reopening the cut and, after a long delay to consult with the doctor again, the bout resumes. Braddock bobs and weaves his way inside and connects with a cross. Jacoby is just looking to survive now. Braddock rips an uppercut. Jacoby is pinned in a corner, and Braddock scores with a cross and follows with a solid combination right before the bell.

The one-sided decision comes as no great surprise, as it goes down as a UD 8 for Braddock (79-73, 79-73, 80-72). Hard to see how Jacoby won even one round, but so be it. Braddock moves to 9-0 (5) and he is expected to move up to 10-round bouts in his next fight.

[JCWeb]

October 22, 1927 -- St. Nicholas Arena, NY City: Popular HW prospect James J. "Jimmy" Braddock steps up to the world of 10-round bouts, and this time he faces a tough opponent in Matt Agdie. Agdie enters the bout with an excellent 11-3 career record and a slight edge in pro experience over the savvy Braddock, who is putting his unbeaten 9-0 (5) career mark on the line in tonight's bout at St. Nick's.

Round one, Braddock hooks off his jab and then shifts to the body, but Agdie presses forward and sticks a jab to the chest. Braddock retreats to a neutral corner. A leaping shot from Agdie falls short. Braddock fires back with a big left, but Agdie sidestepped to avoid the brunt of the blow. Braddock shows good hand speed and movement as he slithers off the ropes, then unleashes a quick uppercut that surprises Agdie. He splits the gloves with a jab, doing enough to take the round.

Second round, Braddock decides to work inside while his opponent stays outside. The two men lean on each other at ring center before Braddock gets his arms free to land a jab, but a leaping shot falls short as Agdie moves out of range. The two men clinch, and Agdie fires to the head and body of Braddock. Jimmy keeps coming forward, firing a glancing blow that bounces off the side of Agdie. The two bump heads, and Agdie once again retreats to the neutral corner. Braddock, who has proven adept at cutting the ring off, now lands a flurry. Agdie scores with a jab but misses with a follow-up cross. Braddock is warned for a head butt, but no damage is done. Braddock fires a jab, traps Agdie in the corner, scoring with an uppercut right before the bell. Good action round, and the crowd roars its approval as Braddock appears to be getting the better of the action thus far.

Round three, this time both men are content to stay on the outside. Braddock misses badly, keeping his distance as Agdie telegraphs his punches. Braddock flicks a stinging jab and Agdie once again seeks refuge in the corner. Braddock follows with a left that lands high on the shoulder. After some clinching, Braddock sneaks in a quick uppercut. Ref Abe Goldstein warns Jimmy for a low blow. Agdie smothers Braddock's attack but can generate no offense of his own.

Fourth round, Agdie now tries his luck on the inside. Agdie presses forward, and a backpedaling Braddock connects with an uppercut. Both fighters are unmarked at this point. Braddock gets inside to tag Agdie with another uppercut to the chin. He doubles up on the left, rocking Agdie with a solid combination. More clinching, then another Braddock uppercut gets through. Braddock also scores with a lead right and a hook to the body. Agdie fires back with a hook but Braddock is out of range. The crowd roars, as it's a huge points-scoring round for Braddock.

Round five, this time both men are working inside. A big hook connects for Agdie. It is his best shot of the bout, and a shaken Braddock who covers up to avoid further damage. Agdie follows with a big left, which is sidestepped by Braddock and he is off by a hair with his follow-up punches. A cross scores for Agdie, but he cannot capitalize and put Braddock away. Braddock scores with a cross later in the round after his head cleared. Still, it's Agdie's best round thus far and although Braddock still has a healthy points lead (49-46 on the unofficial card) he is still up against his sternest test to date.

Sixth round, Agdie is working inside while Braddock adopts a more defensive posture. Braddock uses good lateral movement and an effective jab to keep Agdie off balance. Agdie connects with an uppercut from the outside. After a flurry at ring center, a cross scores for Braddock. He regains control of the bout, working to the head and chest of a tiring opponent.

Round seven, an aggressive Agdie decides to throw caution to the wind and go for a knockout. He scores with a hook, but Braddock bangs a right cross off the forehead that forces Agdie to back off. Braddock gets inside to land a short hook, keeping Agdie off balance. Braddock is just short with a jab then connects with a lead right. Agdie scores with a cross. Close round.

Eighth round, this time Braddock is being a bit more cautious while Agdie remains the aggressor. He sneaks home a right cross through Braddock's defenses. After some clinching, Braddock doubles up on a hook to the body. Braddock fires a straight right which is blocked by Agdie. After a lull in the action, Braddock connects with an uppercut to the jaw. A cross scores for Braddock. He misses with a follow-up shot, then finds the range with a jab and sneaks home a right. The crowd roars. Another big round for the Cinderella Man.

Round nine, and Braddock bangs the uppercut home. A dispirited Agdie appears to be going through the motions now. Braddock fires to the chest and neck, and then an uppercut from Braddock leaves a welt around Agdie's right eye. Agdie fires and misses. Braddock lands a hook to the head. Agdie is completely overmatched by this point.

Bell sounds for the tenth and final round. Agdie lets loose with a final flurry of blows that have little impact. Braddock is off target with a combination. Agdie appears to be running out of gas. Braddock nails him with a hook to the body but misses with the follow-up. Agdie gets in a huge shot of his own but is wild with a hook. Braddock wings a right cross. Agdie connects with a nice uppercut. A lead right scores for Braddock, and then the final bell sounds.

The scores are tallied up, and no surprise -- it's a UD 10 for Braddock (98-92, 98-92, 97-93) who moves to 10-0 (5), worth 511 PPs. Braddock's managers are looking forward to one more bout in 1927, in December.

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Now putting together the schedule for Nov. 1927, so back to the recent feature of all-time peak Perf Pts for retired fighters, on to the WW division:

1485 Art Magirl (WBA Champ 1916-20)
1351 Jack Britton (WBA Champ 1909-11, 1912-13, 1914-15, 1920)
1178 Albert Badoud (EBU Champ) Highest Rank: 2
1174 Willie Loughlin (WBA Champ 1921) Highest Rank: 3
1059 Dick Nelson (WBA Champ 1914, 1915) Highest Rank: 2
1043 Dixie Kid (WBA Champ 1905-06, 1908-09, 1911)
1031 Johnny Alberts (NABF Champ) Highest Rank: 6
1011 Joe Gans (WBA Champ 1906-08, 1911-12) also LW Champ
1006 Willie Lewis (NABF, USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 2
972 Johnny Basham (CBU, GBU Champ) Highest Rank: 4
956 Kid Graves (No Titles) Highest Rank: 4
918 Young Peter Jackson (WBA Champ 1899-1900, 1901-02, 1902-03)
912 Johnny Summers (CBU, GBU, EBU Champ) Highest Rank: 1
909 Kyle Whitney (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 7
893 Mike "Twin" Sullivan (NABF, USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 1
869 Jimmy Gardner (WBA Champ 1903-04)
866 Joe Walcott (WBA Champ 1897-98, 1900-01, 1903, 1904-05)
850 Mysterious Billy Smith (WBA Champ 1892-93, 1897, 1900)
826 Mike Glover (No Titles) Highest Rank: 3
804 Honey Mellody (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 1

Comment: A bit of an ahistorical result here, to see the "Oklahoma Whirlwind," Art Magirl, top the list by virtue of a long four-year reign at the top. (In real life Magirl never got a title shot, only fought a couple of top WWs before moving up in weight.) Britton, who would have been the logical candidate to occupy the top spot based on historical results, winds up second-best. Ratings inflation in later years means some of the earlier Champs, like Walcott, Gans, and Young Peter Jackson, are underrated on this list. Still waiting to see where Ted Kid Lewis and Packey McFarland, aging vets who are still active, wind up. Real-life Champs who did not make the list include: Rube Ferns (missed by two PP, with all-time high of 798), Matty Matthews (earlier titleholder who never got above 600), Waldemar Holberg (EBU Champ who never got above 790 PP), Tom McCormick (came nowhere near a title in my Uni), and Matt Wells (got to 741 PP winning several lesser belts).

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Here's the list for retired LWs:

1491 Jack Blackburn (1905-08, 1913-14, 1914-15 WBA Champ)
1483 Jem Driscoll (1908-09, 1910-11, 1914 WBA Champ) also FW
1340 Freddie Welsh (1912-13 WBA Champ)
1276 Llew Edwards (1921-22 WBA Champ)
1209 Battling Nelson (1909-10 WBA Champ)
1119 Fighting Dick Hyland (NABF, CBU Champ) Highest Rank: 4
1113 Harlem Tommy Murphy (NABF Champ) Highest Rank: 5
1070 Lockport Jimmy Duffy (NABF. USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 4
1069 Ray Bronson (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 7
1062 Herb McCoy (CBU Champ) Highest Rank: 5
1041 Charley White (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 5
1026 Jewey Cooke (NABF, USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 1
1026 Young Erne (WBA Champ 1911) Highest Rank: 3
1011 Joe Gans (WBA Champ 1892, 1898-1904)
864 Louis de Ponthier (No Titles) Highest Rank: 9
805 Willie Beecher (No Titles) Highest Rank: 4
801 Matty Baldwin (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 3
800 Knockout Brown (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 7

Comments: Again, the ratings creep in a division this deep probably means that some guys who did well in the early years (notably Joe Gans) are probably underrated compared to those who came along later, after a higher mean rating was established. Of course, the reigning LW king, Benny Leonard, is at record PP levels (now closing in on 1900) and will shatter the all-time records when he retires. From the early years (before the PP system was revised) Jack McAuliffe no doubt should have a pre-eminent place near the top of the list. One Real-life LW Champ who didn't make the list was Ad Wolgast, who underperformed in my Uni and only reached a PP peak of 793. Interestingly, the two boxers who lead the list here (Blackburn and Driscoll) never held the World LW title in real life.

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Continuing with the list for retired FWs:

1687 Abe Attell (WBA Champ 1903-05, 1907-14, 1916-17)
1483 Jem Driscoll (WBA Champ 1905-06) Also LW
1102 Kid Julian (WBA Champ 1918-19)
1094 Patsy Brannigan (WBA Champ 1920) Highest Rank: 2
1055 Jimmy Walsh (WBA Champ 1914-15)
1042 Brooklyn Tommy Sullivan (WBA Champ 1902) Highest Rank: 1
1016 Terry McGovern (WBA Champ 1906-07) Also BW
909 Harry Lyons (WBA Champ 1899, 1906) Highest Rank: 1
893 Ty Cobb (NABF Champ) Highest Rank: 5
877 Percy Cove (CBU Champ) Highest Rank: 4
872 Young Corbett (WBA Champ 1900-01)
846 Leo Johnson (USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 4
828 Grover Hayes (No Titles) Highest Rank: 5
809 Owen Moran (WBA Champ 1918) Highest Rank: 4 Also BW

Comments: Not unexpected to see Attell, who had a lengthy seven-year reign as WBA Champ, top the list. Driscoll's high PP ranking was earned when we was active in as a LW. Note the lower peak PP of the WBA Champs in the years preceding Attell's title reign, as a lengthy reign by a dominant fighter seems to be one way the overall PP is boosted for a particular division. Thus, far the only real-life FW Champ who didn't crack the list was Jimmy Britt, who fought at LW in my Uni and never got above 400 PP in a very disappointing career. Still waiting to see the final numbers for Johnny Kilbane, Eugene Criqui and Louis (Kid) Kaplan. Surprises on the list include Julian and Brannigan, who did not ascend to the top in RL but managed to do so in my Uni.

[JCWeb]

Wrapping up this series, here are the top peak PP among the retired BWs in my Uni thus far:

1639 Pete Herman (WBA Champ 1917-18, 1919-22)
1307 Johnny Coulon (WBA Champ 1908-09, 1909-10, 1912-15, 1918-19)
1116 Al Delmont (WBA Champ 1915-17)
1109 Harry Harris (WBA Champ 1901-01, 1909, 1911, 1911-12)
1106 Kid Williams (WBA Champ 1917) Highest Rank: 1
1097 Eddie Campi (NABF, USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 2
1059 Frankie Burns (WBA Champ 1912) Highest Rank: 2
1052 Philadelphia Pal Moore (WBA Champ 1910-11, 1912)
1016 Terry McGovern (NABF, USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 2 also FW
953 Joe Burman (No Titles) Highest Rank: 7
927 Kid Murphy (WBA Champ 1911) Highest Rank: 2
886 Jimmy Barry (WBA Champ 1897-1901)
872 Frankie Conley (NABF, USBA Champ) Highest Rank: 4
845 Biz Mackey (WBA Champ 1908) Highest Rank: 1
817 Joe Bowker (CBU, GBU Champ) Highest Rank: 2
809 Owen Moran (EBU, CBU Champ) Highest Rank: 2 also FW

Comments: While Herman's career certainly deserves an exalted position at the top of the list, there's a very good example of the ratings creep here if you consider Jimmy Barry, who had a stellar record and a four-year run as World Champ but could not top 900, is ranked behind a guy like Joe Burman, who never won any titles and never made even the top five in any year-end list. McGovern, who made the list and Frankie Neil, who did not, were two RL World BW Champs who underperformed in my Uni; McGovern, along with Moran, did move up to FW and capture the WBA belt there.

Note, this will wrap up this series of reports as none of the retired Flyweights thus far have met the 800 PP criteria; highest number reached among the retired Flys thus far has been 663 by Frankie Mason.

[JCWeb]

November 19, 1927 -- Sportpalast, Berlin, Germany: An eagerly awaited matchup featuring two top young German HWs in tonight's main support bout to the WBA Lightweight title bout. In one corner is unbeaten Max Schmeling, who at 14-0 (13) is gunning for his 15th straight win at the start of his career. Opposing him is his countryman, Franz Diener, who enters the bout with a career 16-2-1 record. The bout is scheduled to go 10 rounds.

First round, Schmeling presses forward, cutting off the ring and neutralizing Diener with some quick jabs. Max follows with a hard shot off the top of Diener's head. Diener fires back with a hook that is blocked, and Schmeling responds with a hook of his own. After a bit of a breather, Schmeling sticks a jab to the chest. He cuts off the ring and nails his opponent with a left hook to the body. Diener steps back, staggered by the blow. Max works to the head and body, but is short with a follow up shot. Diener recovers and lands a right cross. He retreats again, and Schmeling gets inside to land an uppercut just before the bell. Strong start for Schmeling.

Round two, Schmeling works the inside while Diener stays outside. Schmeling lets his hands go but is just short with most of his punches. Diener gets his hands free and lands an uppercut. Schmeling rips a three-punch combination in response. Diener, in trouble, is backed up against the ropes. Schmeling pursues, firing a jab that is just short but then connecting with a straight right. Diener works free and the two exchange blows. Schmeling plods forward behind the jab, then fires a strong cross. Diener is in retreat, and another cross opens a cut on his lip. Diener manages to stay upright and lasts the round.

Third round, this time Max is looking for the knockout while Diener protects the cut against further damage. Schmeling drills Diener with the jab, following with a devastating cross that drives his opponent to the corner. and both men are on target with a savage exchange of blows. Diener is wild with a hook, but Max shoots a right home. The two clinch, and Schmeling is warned by the ref for holding and hitting. Schmeling takes a step back and wings a big left. Diener connects with a hook to the side. Schmeling, slowed momentarily, re-enters the fray with a powerful hook to the body followed by a quick uppercut to the chin. There is now puffiness under the left eye of Diener.

Round four, Diener is now working the inside while Schmeling is content to work outside. Diener misses with a big shot, and Schmeling unloads with a huge left that is sidestepped by Diener. Diener then lands a right flush on the chin of Schmeling, perhaps his best punch of the fight. Max shrugs it off, but is off target with an uppercut. This allows Diener to connect with a big cross. Schmeling battles back, firing a cross and then a straight right. Diener trys to regroup, but the cut has reopened. After a long clinch, Schmeling fires a left that Diener absorbs on the shoulder. Max responds with an uppercut. Schmeling misses with a follow-up jab. Diener doubles up on a hook just before the bell, and it's his best round of the fight.

Fifth round, it's back to some toe-to-toe action as both men fight inside. Schmeling lands a big left. Diener's swollen eye looks worse now. Schmeling bulls his way inside and rips an uppercut to the chin. The two jockey for position, and Diener tries to double up on a hook to the body. Schmeling pops the jab home. Diener tries to outmuscle Max up against the ropes. Schmeling backs up, firing a left that lands right before the bell. Halfway through the bout, the unofficial scorer has Schmeling ahead by a wide margin (49-46).

Round six, Diener is the aggressor while Schmeling is content to stay outside. Schmeling's jab is on target but lacks sting. Diener is tiring now, and he is struggling with his timing. Diener's jab is off, while Schmeling circles and continues to find the range with his jab. More clinching. Diener gets in an uppercut. A straight right from Diener is blocked by Max's shoulder. Schmeling connects with an uppercut. Diener fires back with an uppercut. Close round, edge to Schmeling.

Round seven, this time both men are seeking to control matters from the inside. Schmeling traps Diener in the corner but misfires with a left-right combination. Diener shoots home a right and moves out of range. After some clinching, Schmeling connects with a sharp combination. The swelling around Diener's eye worsens. Schmeling backs up and Diener hammers home a hook. Schmeling recovers, works his way inside and plows a hook to the body of Diener. Schmeling follows with a lead right and a hard cross, once again doing enough to take the round.

Eighth round, Diener looks desperate as he goes for a knockout. Schmeling moves inside and blasts home a two-fisted attack. He lands a right cross and then a solid combination. There is blood on the chin of Diener as the cut is reopened. Schmeling misses with a jab. Schmeling hurts Diener with a hook. Diener is worn down, and Schmeling takes advantage to land a combination that sends him toppling to the canvas. The count reaches seven before he arises. There's not enough time left in the round for Schmeling to finish his man.

Round nine, Diener throws caution to the wind and opts for an all-out attack as he has nothing to lose at this point. Schmeling shoots home a right, then steps off the gas for a moment. Diener lands a cross. Schmeling misses with an uppercut. Diener gets a short hook inside the defense of Schmeling. Schmeling uses the jab to set up an uppercut. Then Diener pounds home a solid uppercut that staggers Max. Undaunted, Schmeling comes back with a punch that is part hook, part uppercut. Close round but Schmeling appears to be well ahead on points regardless.

Final round, the two men touch gloves. Diener is the aggressor, working the head and body of Schmeling. Max flicks the jab but is short with a follow-up shot. Diener smothers Schmeling's attack. Schmeling rips a combination, then shoots home a straight right. The cut on Diener's lip is bleeding again. The ref calls in the ring doctor, who allows the bout to continue. A weary Diener battles on, surviving a Schmeling hook to the head in the final minute. The bell sounds as both men go the distance.

The scorecards are tallied and -- no surprise -- it's a lopsided UD 10 for the Black Uhlan, Max Schmeling (scores of 100-88, 99-89, 99-89) to run his record to 15-0 (13). This is worth 682 PP which means Schmeling will likely debut just outside the top 20 and he wraps up his 1927 campaign to take a break before stepping up to perhaps take on some leading European HWs in 1928.

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Nov. 19, 1927 -- Briggs Stadium, Detroit: In a rematch of his most recent bout, LW/JWW prospect Tony Canzoneri seeks to avenge his only loss (via a DQ) against JWW TC Wade Campbell. The bout is set for 10, but Canzoneri (the "Roman Warrior") is looking to end matters well inside the distance.

Round one, Canzoneri opnes the action with a quick hook to the head. Campbell is wild with a return shot. Canzoneri is off by a hair, then delivers a hook to the head after a well-timed head feint. Both men take a half step back, then Canzoneri shoots a short hook inside the defenses of Campbell. The two clinch at ring center. Canzoneri lands to the chest and neck of his opponent. He plods forward, winging a right cross and working inside behind a strong jab. Canzoneri is wild with a hook, but he is off to a strong start.

Second round, Canzoneri stays outside. He splits Campbell's gloves with a jab but is just short on a follow-up blow. Canzoneri traps Campbell in the corner and lands a lead right. He follows with a big left that is sidestepped by Campbell. Canzoneri shoots a jab to the chest. Not much more in the way of action for the rest of the round.

Round three, this time Canzoneri tries to work inside. He shoots an uppercut to the chin, then a lead right followed by a cross force Campbell to retreat. Canzoneri flicks a jab, Campbell digs an uppercut. Canzoneri uses the jab to cut the ring off, whereas Campbell is telegraphing his punches. Canzoneri works to the head and body. Canzoneri pops home a jab. Solid round for Canzoneri.

More of the same in round four as Canzoneri continues to pile up the pressure on the inside. Canzoneri wings a big left and tries to cut the ring off, forcing Campbell to give ground. Canzoneri unloads with a flurry that has little effect. He uses the jab to set up a right cross that lands flush. Canzoneri buries a hook to the side of Campbell. Then Tony works the head and body, doubling up with a hook to the body. Campbell tries to fight back with an uppercut but misses. A hook is blocked by Canzoneri. Canzoneri misses with the jab. The bell sounds, huge round for Canzoneri.

Fifth round, this time Canzoneri is looking for a knockout. Canzoneri lands a stinging jab but misses with the follow up. After some clinching, Tony gets his hands free and rips a hook to the head. Campbell tries to tie Canzoneri up, leaning on his neck. Canzoneri unleashes a huge left that leaves Campbell visibly shaken. Canzoneri wings a jab, and now Campbell has a bloody nose. Canzoneri hammers away with a cross and and a short hook inside. Just when it looks like Campbell cannot absorb any more punishment, the bell sounds to end the round.

Round six, Canzoneri continues to apply pressure on the inside. The cut on the nose was cleaned up between rounds. Canzoneri lands a clean jab and the cut is reopened. The doctor is called in to take a long, then the bout resumes. Canzoneri rips a hook to the head, and then the cut worsens. Another flurry and then some clinching, then Campbell is pushed back against the ropes. Canzoneri pounds away with the jab, and the bleeding from the cut is noticeably worse. Another check with the ring physician leads to a stoppage.

It goes down as a TKO at 2:23 of round six, cuts stoppage win for Canzoneri. His record goes to 11-1 (10), worth 148 PPs as he still has alot of rankings points to make up as a consequence of his earlier DQ loss to Campbell.